Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby to you without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with an increased risk of being suffocated. They're also a great option for infants.
Find models with an adjustable height position that will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting. it's a great option if you have the need for a C-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has high walls, so your baby isn't able to escape. Some models come with a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own cot or bassinet in the same room with their parent but not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to rest close to you but in a secure and separate space.
When choosing a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Also, look for a mattress that's sturdy and flat. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Find bedding that is fitted and without loose blankets or pillowcases. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet, however, make sure it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It attaches securely to the bed and has an adjustable height that allows for the perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It's also a great choice for people with narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up too much room.
Design
It is essential to think about the style of your crib at night since this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. There are 4-in-1 bedside crib of cribs available in a variety of colours that can be matched to your decor. Some cribs have features like mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to facilitate access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid with reflux.
The majority of cribs can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed, making it easy to get into and out of bed at the end of the night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great feature when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling was a perfect match for her bedroom and added that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. She also liked that one side of the crib drops down and allows her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful when you've had an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room to room, something she didn't find with some of the other bedside cribs she tested. However, she said that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib, because the handle was stiff.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral color options can be incorporated into most bedrooms, although some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close, which means they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The distance between each bar should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also suitable for babies who have reflux, because the ComfortAir air-flow system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you need to be capable of reaching them quickly during the night for feeding. With a bedside crib, you can do this without getting out of your bed. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. If you'd like to sleep with your baby, but don't want the hassle of getting out of bed for every feeding, a moses basket is a better choice.
The majority of cribs for bedside are attached to the bedside, which allows you to be able to see and reach your baby. They usually come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. There is also an option to treat reflux that can help with colic and reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're amazed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other cribs that are bedside and can be useful where space is limited. However, our mum testers agree that it's an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side with adjustable straps, which minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child may get caught. It is equipped with an even, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and promotes healthy sleep habits.
You should be aware that your baby is likely to leave their crib when they're capable of sitting upright at around six months. This is why it's essential to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
Another thing to take into consideration is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for travel. Some of our mothers love the fact that this crib can be disassembled to transport it However, some aren't able to put it together. It isn't easy to clean so you will need to wipe it down frequently using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and over is a bassinet style crib that is attached to the mattress's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night as well as calming babies to sleep and allowing mothers who have had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are sufficiently far apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot as they could pose an choking risk.
Emily's favorite bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot, and the Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also light and compact enough to fit in its travel bag should you need to move it from room to room. If you're seeking something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.